We learned 30 weeks into my pregnancy that Mollie has VGM. I was admitted to the University of Marburg Frauenklinik (Women’s Clinic) for daily monitoring It was decided to do a cesarean section at 36 weeks and to perform an embolization on Mollie. The Neurology Professor, the Neonatal Professor, and the Obstetric Professor did not think she would survive more than 24 hours without the treatment. On February 25, 2004 she began to go into heart failure and was born by emergency c-section at 33 weeks and 3 days. She weighed 1490 grams, about 3 lbs 4 oz and was 43.5 cm, about 17 inches. By the grace of God, she was amazingly stable. She did not need any help with her heart rate or breathing! The Professors decided after her birth that it would be best to wait on the embolization until she gains some weight and becomes stronger. We learned shortly before her birth that she has a rare Chromosomal disorder. She has a deletion on Chromosome 13. She has a few physical characteristics of this chromosome disorder such as a malformed toe, three ribs that are fused together at the sternum, a slight scoliosis of the spine, and a smaller than normal head. We aren’t sure what this will mean for her mental development, only time will tell. We know the Lord has a plan for her that He designed her perfectly.

Today, March 14, 2004, Mollie is 2 ½ weeks old and weighs 1500 grams, about 3 lbs 5 oz. She is still in the NICU at the University of Marburg and continues to be stable. We thank the Lord everyday for this little miracle baby. She is our beautiful little angel and we can’t wait to bring her home.

On Sunday, March 28 we went to visit Mollie. The doctors spoke to us about her condition which was worsening daily. The nurses were concerned that she was suffering because of the Oxygen tube in her nose. They were also concerned that the end would come quickly and that we would not be able to make it to be with her. We live 75 miles from the hospital. We decided to remove the large tube and put a smaller one in it’s place as well as stop the therapy. We spent that night in a private room at the ICU with Mollie. I was so thankful to be able to finally have my baby to myself. I was able to change, feed and care for her as a mother would want to do. I held her most of the night and all the next day. We even took a nap together, it was wonderful! Mollie passed away on March 29, 2004 in my arms. I am so thankful to have been there to hand her over to Our Father in Heaven. I know that she was peaceful and did not suffer at all. We were blessed to have her and know her for 32 days. She lived much longer than the doctors could even imagine. We look forward to the day we will be reunited with her.